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How to Become a Dental Hygienist in South Carolina

Did you know dental hygienists are in high demand throughout the United States? A great place to start if you’re interested in working as a dental hygienist is to study dental hygiene in South Carolina. In this post, we’ll go through how to be a dental hygienist in South Carolina and what you can expect from the process. Keep reading to learn more.

Graduate From an Approved Dental Hygienist School

hygienistTo be a licensed dental hygienist in South Carolina, you must first complete an approved dental hygiene program. There are currently two schools in the state that offer this type of program: Midlands Technical College and Greenville Technical College. Both of these programs will prepare you for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, which is required for licensure. They will also provide you with the clinical experience needed to work in a dental office.

Pass the Required Written Tests

The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) and the South Carolina Jurisprudence Exam are prerequisites for certification as a dental hygienist in South Carolina. The South Carolina Jurisprudence Exam is a written test that covers South Carolina’s dental practice act and board regulations. The exam is offered twice per year, in May and November.

Pass a Clinical Exam

The clinical exam, or National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), is administered by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. To qualify for the NBDHE, you must complete an accredited dental hygiene program. The NBDHE is a computer-based exam that tests your knowledge of dental hygiene theory and practice.

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Think About Obtaining Optional Dental Hygiene Certifications

Although they are not required, several dental hygienist certification programs can help you stand out from the competition. The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is widely recognized. Passing it can show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful dental hygienist.

Apply for a License With the South Carolina Board of Dentistry

The first step in becoming a licensed dental hygienist in South Carolina is to submit an application to the state board of dentistry. The board will review your application and determine whether you meet the requirements for licensure. If you are found to be qualified, you will be issued a license that will allow you to practice dental hygiene in the state of South Carolina.

Meet the Renewal Requirements

discussTo renew your dental hygienist license in South Carolina, you must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education (CE) every year. Of those 12 hours, at least 2 must be dedicated to infection control; the rest can be a combination of live, online, or home-study courses. You can find a list of approved CE courses on the South Carolina Board of Dentistry’s website. If you do not complete the required CE hours or let your license lapse, you will need to retake and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) before renewing your license.

If you are interested in becoming a dental hygienist, it is important to know the requirements in South Carolina. The licensure and certification process can be completed by following the simple steps we have outlined for you. We hope this information has been helpful and that you will consider pursuing a career as a dental hygienist.